Bone Density Scanning, also known as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA scan), is a diagnostic technique used to assess bone health. By measuring bone mineral density, it can detect bone degeneration and reveal the onset of osteoporosis.
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A Bone Density Scan is the primary technique for preventing, diagnosing and controlling the development of osteoporosis.
The test is mainly prescribed for post-menopausal women and for men over 60 with specific risk factors, or people of various ages with a genetic predisposition or with a history of chronic diseases or therapies known to be causes of secondary osteoporosis. It can also be prescribed for athletes with frequent stress injuries that have no clear cause and in cases suggesting possible bone rarefaction (also in young women with amenorrhea or anorexia nervosa), abnormal calcification, pronounced dorsal and lumbar scoliosis, degenerative spinal osteoarthritis or a spontaneous vertebral compression fracture.
How is the test performed?
Bone density scanning is also called DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), and uses minimal x-ray radiation to measure bone mineral density in a sample area, usually the spine and the proximal femur.
A Bone Density Scan is a quick, non-invasive and painless procedure. The patient will lie on their back on a flat, open X-ray table. During the scan, a large scanning arm is passed over the patient’s body to measure bone density while a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays coming from underneath the table is passed through the part of the patient’s body being examined.
After the scan, the radiographer defines a monitoring schedule including a series of checks to assess the effectiveness of current treatments, any changes in bone mineral density and the likelihood of fractures.
Preparation for the test
A Bone Density Scan requires no special preparation other than removing any metal accessories, such as jewellery, before the procedure. The test has no particular contraindications, but should NOT be performed during pregnancy.
